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Ask President Burrus

Question:

Why don’t the postal unions merge into one? Wouldn’t we (all the workers) be stronger with only one union? Why do the unions let the USPS play the divide-and-conquer game?

Jon, Central Michigan Area Local

Similar Questions from:
Mike, Cleveland Area Local
Mike, St. Paul (MN) Area Local
Brian, Central Arkansas Area Local

President Burrus:

Thank you for writing.

APWU members understand that there is strength in numbers and often question why the four postal unions do not merge into a single union. Obviously, such a merger would create a significantly larger, stronger union than any of the existing organizations.

As an industrial union, the APWU endorses the basic principle that workers employed by a single entity are better served when they are united as a single force. Our union constitution embodies this principle with the following commitment:

The APWU affirms its belief in a single union of all postal workers in non-supervisory levels. The APWU will make every effort to bring into being a single union of all postal workers by mergers with other postal unions, and initiating intensive all-out organizing campaigns reflecting the APWU philosophy. (Article 2.2)

Furthermore, the APWU constitution calls for specific action to help achieve this goal:

The American Postal Workers Union shall request and make every effort to secure a meeting with the National Association of Letter Carriers, a minimum of once a year, for the sole purpose of discussing and moving in the direction of eventual merger. (Article 2.11)

As president of APWU I embrace these principles, and I have attempted to initiate the dialogue necessary to achieving this significant goal.

Regrettably, I have received no response to my written requests.

Oct. 20, 2005

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